Lemon Chicken Pasta: A Bright and Creamy Delight

If youโ€™re looking for a pasta dish that balances rich creaminess with refreshing citrus zest, Lemon Chicken Pasta is a perfect choice. This recipe features crispy, golden breaded chicken breasts served over tender fettuccine coated in a luscious lemon-cream sauce. The garlic and Parmesan add savory depth, while fresh parsley and lemon wedges brighten every bite.

Easy enough for a weeknight but elegant enough for guests, this dish is a crowd-pleaser that pairs wonderfully with a light salad or steamed vegetables. Letโ€™s explore how to make this flavorful and satisfying meal step-by-step.

๐Ÿ›’ Ingredients Youโ€™ll Need

For the Chicken:

  • 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 2 large eggs, beaten
  • 1 cup breadcrumbs (preferably panko for extra crunch)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil

For the Pasta and Sauce:

  • 8 oz fettuccine or pasta of your choice
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 lemon (zested and juiced)
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
  • Lemon wedges (for serving)

๐Ÿ‘ฉโ€๐Ÿณ How to Make Lemon Chicken Pasta

๐Ÿ”น Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

  1. Butterfly or slice chicken breasts horizontally if thick, so they cook evenly.
  2. Season both sides with salt and pepper.
  3. Set up a breading station: Place flour in one shallow dish, beaten eggs in another, and breadcrumbs in a third.
  4. Dredge chicken first in flour, shaking off excess; then dip into eggs; finally, coat evenly with breadcrumbs.

๐Ÿ”น Step 2: Cook the Chicken

  1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
  2. Cook chicken for about 4โ€“5 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through (internal temp 165ยฐF / 74ยฐC).
  3. Remove from pan and keep warm on a plate covered loosely with foil.

๐Ÿ”น Step 3: Cook the Pasta

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
  2. Cook fettuccine according to package instructions until al dente.
  3. Drain and reserve about ยฝ cup of pasta water.

๐Ÿ”น Step 4: Make the Lemon Cream Sauce

  1. In the same skillet used for chicken, reduce heat to medium-low.
  2. Add minced garlic and sautรฉ until fragrant (about 30 seconds).
  3. Pour in heavy cream, stirring constantly.
  4. Add Parmesan cheese and lemon zest, stirring until cheese melts and sauce thickens slightly.
  5. Stir in fresh lemon juice and season with salt and pepper to taste.
  6. If sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water a little at a time to reach desired consistency.

๐Ÿ”น Step 5: Combine and Serve

  1. Toss cooked pasta in the lemon cream sauce until well coated.
  2. Slice the breaded chicken and arrange on top of the pasta.
  3. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and serve with lemon wedges for extra zing.

๐Ÿฝ๏ธ Serving Suggestions

  • Pair with a crisp green salad with vinaigrette to balance the richness.
  • Serve alongside steamed or roasted asparagus, broccoli, or green beans.
  • A side of warm garlic bread complements the creamy pasta beautifully.

๐Ÿ’ก Tips for Perfect Lemon Chicken Pasta

  • Use fresh lemons for the best brightness and flavor.
  • Donโ€™t overcrowd the pan when cooking chicken โ€” cook in batches if needed to maintain crispiness.
  • Reserve pasta water to adjust sauce texture and help it cling better to pasta.
  • For extra crunch, toast the panko breadcrumbs lightly before breading the chicken.

๐ŸงŠ Storage & Reheating

  • Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
  • To reheat, warm gently in a skillet over low heat or microwave with a splash of water or cream to loosen the sauce.

โ“ Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use other types of pasta?

Yes! Penne, linguine, or even spaghetti work well with this sauce.

2. How do I keep the chicken crispy after cooking?

Serve immediately or keep warm on a rack in a low oven (about 200ยฐF) while you prepare the sauce and pasta.

3. Can I make this gluten-free?

Use gluten-free flour and breadcrumbs, and substitute pasta with a gluten-free variety.

4. Can I prepare parts ahead?

Yes, you can bread the chicken and refrigerate it a few hours ahead. Cook just before serving for best texture.

5. How can I make the sauce lighter?

Replace heavy cream with half-and-half or a mixture of milk and Greek yogurt, but the sauce will be less rich.

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Lemon Chicken Pasta: A Bright and Creamy Delight


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  • Author: mokhtarc683@gmail.com
  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 2 servings

Description

Lemon Chicken Pasta features crispy breaded chicken breasts served over fettuccine tossed in a creamy, tangy lemon Parmesan sauce. A fresh and comforting meal perfect for any night.


Ingredients

  • 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 2 large eggs, beaten
  • 1 cup breadcrumbs (preferably panko)
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 8 oz fettuccine or pasta of choice
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 lemon (zested and juiced)
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
  • Lemon wedges (for serving)


Instructions

  1. Season chicken with salt and pepper.
  2. Coat chicken in flour, dip in beaten eggs, then coat with breadcrumbs.
  3. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat and cook chicken until golden and cooked through, about 4-5 minutes per side. Remove and set aside.
  4. Cook pasta according to package instructions; drain.
  5. In the same skillet, add minced garlic and sautรฉ for 1 minute.
  6. Add heavy cream, lemon zest, and lemon juice. Stir in Parmesan cheese until sauce thickens slightly.
  7. Toss cooked pasta in the sauce.
  8. Slice chicken and serve over pasta. Garnish with fresh parsley and lemon wedges.

Notes

  • Use gluten-free breadcrumbs and pasta to make this dish gluten-free.
  • Swap fettuccine for linguine or spaghetti if preferred.
  • Leftovers store well refrigerated for up to 2 days.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: Pan Fry & Boil
  • Cuisine: Italian-American

๐Ÿ“ Conclusion

Lemon Chicken Pasta is a delicious balance of crispy, creamy, and fresh flavors that will quickly become a staple in your meal rotation. Itโ€™s approachable enough for weeknights but impressive enough for guests, delivering a perfect harmony of textures and tastes.

Next time you want a dinner that feels special without hours of effort, try this recipe โ€” the bright lemon and creamy sauce will brighten your plate and your mood!

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